HOLLANDALE — After 40 years of providing oil products to those in the area, Thompson Oil Co. owner Everett Thompson has seen a host of changes in the industry.

As natural gas pipelines were run to smaller communities, such as Clarks Grove and Hollandale, Thompson said his customer base grew to those in more rural areas out in the country.

The number of regulations in the industry has also changed. In the beginning, if a homeowner ran out of propane, a truck driver could simply come out and refill the tank. Now, regulations require tanks be inspected and a leak test completed when a tank runs dry or if a customer switches to a different supplier. At times the cost is absorbed by the supplier if they don’t charge new customers with a hook-up fee.

“When it comes to propane, it is best not to be a shopper,” he said.

Thompson suggested customers find a company that gives them a fair price and good service and stick with it. He aims to provide his customers with just that — even the ones who do not purchase propane.

Thompson provides gas and diesel products to farmers, commercial accounts, construction sites, trucking businesses and private individuals who live outside the city limits.

The farming and trucking industries make up the largest portion of Thompson’s sales.

Thompson said the diesel sales to trucking customers are more consistent throughout the year, while farmers use a lot of product in a short period of time — typically in the fall and spring. Farmers use  propane to dry corn and diesel fuel to run their equipment.

As a small business owner, Thompson has ridden through highs and lows that come with the business. Like many retail businesses, Thompson Oil Co. generates revenue by reselling a product, so when prices of propane and diesel fuel skyrocketed in recent years, his profit margins took a hit. Since he works so closely with the agriculture industry, whenever it experiences a few bumps, so does he. But, he chooses to focus on the positive.

To learn more about Thompson Oil Co., call 507-889-3891.

Thompson’s schedule varies depending on the day and the needs of his customers, so he recommends leaving a message if he cannot be reached at first by phone. Current customers should always leave their name, number and the reading on their fuel tank.